My tour ‘Galapagos on a Shoestring’ involved a week on 3 islands in the Galapagos archipelago. The first day started with meeting the lovely group and the local tour guide. Within minutes I could tell that I had made the right decision to come on the tour as the guide, Andrea, put us at ease from the offset and the group bonded immediately. The tour started in the Galapagos capital of San Cristobal- we hiked through the national park and visited the Charles Darwin visitor centre to learn more about the animals and the history of the islands.

It was a scorching day so after the visitor centre the group headed down to Darwin’s Bay to cool off by going snorkelling. I must say, I had never been snorkelling before so I was somewhat apprehensive but after watching the rest of the group head into the water and after some kind words of encouragement from Andrea, I was soon at ease. I am so glad I did decide to give it a go as almost immediately I was approached by two inquisitive (and adorable) sea lions! These were closely followed by a sea turtle, some rays and several species of colourful fish. This was definitely a trip highlight for me and it is a moment I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

We stayed on San Cristobal for a few days before taking the very bumpy boat ride to Santa Cruz. It was on Santa Cruz that we discovered one of the Galapagos’ most famous animals- the giant tortoise. We went on a few trips to see these marvellous giants in both sanctuaries and the wild- they are so amusing with their long necks and slow movements. It was also on Santa Cruz that the group decided to all go on the same optional activity and take a boat trip to Isla Lobos. Isla Lobos is an uninhabited island where lots of the Galapagos bird life can be found, from little penguins to frigate birds and blue-footed boobies. This excursion was another tour highlight as on the way back to Santa Cruz we stopped on a deserted beach which can only be reached by boat, I have never seen the ocean so clear, it felt like we were in paradise.

The last island on our Galapagos adventure was Isla Isabella, the most volcanic island of those which we visited. It was on Isabella that we hiked a yellow-level active volcano (which surprisingly wasn’t as terrifying as it sounds!) The hike was challenging due to steep slopes and slippy muddy rocks but the phenomenal views over the crater definitely made the trip worth it.

This week long, animal orientated adventure was truly a trip which I will treasure for a long time to come.

John - Intrepid Tours

For more information on this tour call Justin or Michael on 0504 22200